Chapter 172

Nathaniel understood Richard Fairchild's position perfectly.

Giving his own people first-hand information was just how the elite operated. He'd seen it all before.

His jaw tightened. "We do need partners for expansion, but I can't stand Dominic Fairchild."

Isabella knew why. Dominic had always favored Victoria Kensington. But she didn't care.

Her voice remained steady. "The project comes first. Maximizing our benefits is the priority. Personal feelings are irrelevant."

She'd met Richard once. Ambitious, yes—but Frederick Aldridge trusted him, and that was enough.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "I know. Just venting."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Still, we've got time before officially seeking investors. Let him sweat a little longer."

Isabella chuckled. "Fine. Whatever makes you happy."

After Dominic's call, they returned to work. But thirty minutes later, Nathaniel's phone buzzed again.

His expression shifted—disdain mixed with satisfaction.

Isabella raised a brow. "Who is it?"

"Julian Montgomery."

"Another collaboration offer?"

"Most likely."

Like Dominic, Nathaniel rarely interacted with Julian, Oliver Westbrook, and their circle. A sudden call meant only one thing.

The Montgomery family, like the Fairchilds, had deep political and military ties.

They always knew things before anyone else.

Nathaniel glanced at Isabella. "Should I answer?"

As Alexander Whitmore's wife, Isabella had never been accepted by Julian. He'd embraced Victoria, the mistress, instead.

To Nathaniel, Julian was worse than Dominic.

"Answer it," Isabella said. She wouldn't let pettiness interfere with business.

He picked up.

As predicted, Julian proposed a partnership.

After hearing him out, Nathaniel replied coolly, "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Montgomery, but we're still in early development. My schedule is packed. Perhaps another time."

"What about Thursday?"

"Unlikely. If that changes, I'll contact you."

Julian knew YodaVision's projects were in high demand. Nathaniel had no shortage of suitors.

"Very well. I'll await your call."

The moment the call ended, Nathaniel slammed his palm on the desk, laughing. "That felt good."

Isabella smiled.

But his laughter faded abruptly. He studied her. "Do you think Alexander might reach out too?"

YodaVision and InnovaTech were competitors—but collaboration wasn't impossible. These new projects had overlapping interests.

Isabella's tone was calm. "I don't know. Focus on the project. Personal issues don't matter."

"Right." A little attitude was fine, but business came first.

Secretly, Nathaniel hoped Alexander would call. But the phone remained silent.

Instead, more collaboration offers poured in—none from Alexander.

Then, just before leaving, an unknown number flashed on his screen. He answered.

"Mr. Graves? This is Reginald Kensington. Victoria's father."

Nathaniel froze. He pulled the phone away. "It's Reginald."

Isabella met his gaze silently.

He understood.

With others, they could set grudges aside. But the Kensingtons? Never.

He forced a smile, voice icy. "Mr. Kensington. What can I do for you?"

Predictably, Reginald wanted in. Nathaniel gave a diplomatic refusal and hung up.

He scoffed. "Dominic and Julian hearing about this first makes sense—they're connected. But the Kensingtons? How?"

The Kensingtons were outsiders in Salzburg. If they knew this soon, someone had tipped them off.

Likely Alexander or Julian—both close to Victoria.

Nathaniel's mood soured.

But he knew Isabella felt worse.

"Come on," he said, forcing cheer. "Your senior's treating you to dinner. My treat!"

Truthfully, Isabella wasn't as upset as he thought. She'd made peace with these people long ago.

This time, she held the power.

But free food? Never a refusal.

She smiled. "Thanks."

They walked out together.